 |
  |
|
KELI
is a Mumbai based organization dedicated to the preservation, development
and propagation of the traditional classical art forms. Its work began,
just a few years ago, with the theme of traditional performing arts of Kerala.
It did not take too long for Keli to be convinced that in the present age
of globalization and astonishing advances in communications it is most imperative
to demystify our classical arts and present our cultural treasures in their
most authentic and unadulterated form. The last decade of the 20th Century
was witness to the steady downfall of the aesthetics of classical arts everywhere.
Kerala was no exception. Even some of the great exponents of classical arts
were found to be willing to dilute their performances in tune with the taste
of contemporary audiences. At the same time there were also others for whom
traditional values were sacrosanct and compromise was unthinkable. They
were an endangered species, so to speak, of absolute aesthetics and creative
integrity, intolerant of mediocrity and arrogance. Keli felt the need to
trace them and bring them to the world outside their familiar hamlets. In
furtherance of its objective, Keli has in the past years, handled a number
of aesthetic appreciation projects and presented rare and exclusive events
and festivals as well as experimental works in many unknown or little known
classical art forms. |
|
 |
|
Some
of these were supplemented and strengthened by Seminars and discussions
in the relevant areas. Outstanding artistes were also honored and felicitated.
A book in both Malayalam and English documenting the contributions of ten
of these leading artistes in their respective disciplines was published.
In all these endeavors Keli has been fortunate in having the unstinted support
and help from the Prithvi Theatre - an active group in the mainstream of
theatre activities of the country. Keli's future mission will be an in-depth
exploration of the essence of the `traditions' - an aesthetic pilgrimage
in search of the purity of India's classicism as a whole. It will reflect
the new enlarged vision of Keli encompassing a long-term perspective of
India's performing arts in its magnificent totality. Keli is proud to have
earned the goodwill and appreciation of its loyal audiences who have greatly
enjoyed the richness of our arts through the festivals and other events
brought to the city of Mumbai. To the Rasikas (discerning lovers
of the arts) of Mumbai, Keli is today synonymous with authenticity quality
and sincerity and seriousness of purpose.
KELI,
201 BABA NIVAS, PLOT NO 74, SECTOR 19,
NERUL, NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA
www.keliindia.org
keliindia@gmail.com
|
|
